Reel World

Movie Party (with Cake)

On Wednesday, Sept. 19, the KiMo Theatre will be hosting its 85th anniversary extravaganza. How about coming out and celebrating with the beautiful old gal? The night starts off with Pueblo Indian drumming and dancing at 5 p.m. on the sidewalk outside the theater. City officials will be on hand to unveil a National Register and City Landmark plaque. At 5:30 p.m., there will be an architectural tour of the renovated venue. Restored murals and a brand new silver screen are just some of the sights you will see. At 6:45 p.m. the festivities really begin with beloved local author John Nichols introducing Robert Redford’s 1988 adaptation of The Milagro Beanfield War. Nichols wrote the screenplay based on his 1974 novel, and it was filmed on location in Truchas, N.M. Rúben Blades, Sonia Braga, Melanie Griffith, Christopher Walken, Freddy Fender and John Heard are among the classy cast. The film screening starts at 7 p.m. sharp. Following the film, at 9 p.m., there will be a meet-and-greet reception in the lobby. I hear there will be cake. What’s a birthday celebration without cake? So, what’s the cost for this fabulous event, you ask? It’s free! The mayor’s picking up the tab, so get there early and grab a seat.

Deadline Doom

Friday, Sept. 14, is the final deadline for local filmmakers to submit their work to the New Mexico Filmmakers Showcase. Entries must be postmarked by 5 p.m. If you’re a local film or video maker with a short or a feature-length production and you’re hungry for some exposure, here’s your opportunity. Entries will be screened at the Guild Cinema, Oct. 12-14. Selected winners will also tour the state in a special “Best of” showcase. Go to the Film Office website to download an entry form. There’s no fee, but you do need to act quickly. Screening slots are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.

First Taste is Free

The Santa Fe Film Festival (taking place Dec. 6 through 9) has announced a series of “preseason” fall screenings. The first will take place Friday, Sept. 14, at the Santa Fe Railyard Performance Green. This free community event is being billed as a 10th anniversary celebration of the acclaimed New Zealand film Whale Rider. The Academy Award-nominated coming-of-age drama about life in modern Maori villages is scheduled to begin shortly after sunset (around 7 p.m.).